"Wahk, Wahk, Wahk," from high in a neighborhood palm tree usually means a Gila woodpecker is sounding an alarm. Emanating a bit closer from my backyard's wall, this squawk indicates he's specifically eyeing the sugar water in my hummingbird feeder. Last year, I posted several shots of the bird using his long, slender tongue to slurp nectar. (Click here for link.) However this year, the species is attracted to a new source of nutrition in my yard - aloe vera blooms.
After many years of planting seasonal flowers in my garden beds, I transitioned to vegetables for several years. But last year I decided to plant permanent, low-water use succulents, choosing aloe vera plants as focal points for my new landscaping.
Many varieties of aloe do well in Arizona's deserts, which isn't surprising since the aloe vera originated from the arid Arabian peninsula. In addition, hybrid forms of aloes have been developed that are even more drought and sun tolerant than natural forms.
In the springtime, most aloe species around Phoenix display tall, colorful blooms, attracting countless hummingbirds and allowing me a break from frequently filling my own feeders. But thanks to my new backyard plants and my home's windows acting as natural bird blinds, this is the first season I've watched woodpeckers feeding on the same flowers.
Do I miss dining on fresh radidchio and shishito peppers from my vegetable garden? Well, sure. But for me, an equally tasty feast is the enjoyment of watching from my bedroom window as a Gila woodpecker savors a meal.
After many years of planting seasonal flowers in my garden beds, I transitioned to vegetables for several years. But last year I decided to plant permanent, low-water use succulents, choosing aloe vera plants as focal points for my new landscaping.
Many varieties of aloe do well in Arizona's deserts, which isn't surprising since the aloe vera originated from the arid Arabian peninsula. In addition, hybrid forms of aloes have been developed that are even more drought and sun tolerant than natural forms.
In the springtime, most aloe species around Phoenix display tall, colorful blooms, attracting countless hummingbirds and allowing me a break from frequently filling my own feeders. But thanks to my new backyard plants and my home's windows acting as natural bird blinds, this is the first season I've watched woodpeckers feeding on the same flowers.
Do I miss dining on fresh radidchio and shishito peppers from my vegetable garden? Well, sure. But for me, an equally tasty feast is the enjoyment of watching from my bedroom window as a Gila woodpecker savors a meal.
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| My backyard blooming aloe vera plants. |
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| Female Gila woodpecker feeding on my backyard aloe vera plant. |
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| Female Gila woodpecker feeding on my backyard aloe vera plant. |
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| Female Gila woodpecker feeding on my backyard aloe vera plant. |
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